1 Chronicles 24 23

1 Chronicles 24:23 kjv

And the sons of Hebron; Jeriah the first, Amariah the second, Jahaziel the third, Jekameam the fourth.

1 Chronicles 24:23 nkjv

Of the sons of Hebron, Jeriah was the first, Amariah the second, Jahaziel the third, and Jekameam the fourth.

1 Chronicles 24:23 niv

The sons of Hebron: Jeriah the first, Amariah the second, Jahaziel the third and Jekameam the fourth.

1 Chronicles 24:23 esv

The sons of Hebron: Jeriah the chief, Amariah the second, Jahaziel the third, Jekameam the fourth.

1 Chronicles 24:23 nlt

From the descendants of Hebron, Jeriah was the leader, Amariah was second, Jahaziel was third, and Jekameam was fourth.

1 Chronicles 24 verses

1 Chronicles 24 23 Meaning

1 Chronicles 24:23 is a meticulous entry in the detailed genealogical records of the Levites, specifically highlighting the descendants of Moses through his son Eliezer and grandson Rehabiah. It names Rehabiah as the principal line (the first) and then his two identified sons, Amariah and Jahaziel, listed sequentially as the second and third. This verse confirms the lineage and continued identification of these particular families for their designated roles within the organized Levitical service of the tabernacle and later the temple, as established by King David. It underscores the precision and importance of such records for maintaining divine order in worship and ministry.

1 Chronicles 24 23 Context

1 Chronicles 24 falls within David's meticulous organization of the religious and civic administration of Israel as preparation for the future Temple worship. Chapters 23-27 detail the courses of the priests, Levites, singers, gatekeepers, and other officials. Specifically, Chapter 24 begins with the division of the descendants of Aaron (the priests) into 24 courses (vv. 1-19). Verses 20-31 then enumerate the divisions of the remaining Levites according to their ancestral houses, focusing on their specific duties and positions in the Temple service. Verse 23 is part of this comprehensive listing, meticulously recording the family lines descending from Moses through his son Eliezer, thereby ensuring that even Moses' direct descendants had their rightful place and assigned roles within this highly organized system, though distinct from the priestly line of Aaron. The Chronicler emphasizes these genealogies and detailed structures to provide legitimacy and continuity for the post-exilic community, reaffirming that the present order for Temple service derived directly from Davidic ordinances, thereby countering any innovations or challenges to the divinely sanctioned structure of worship.

1 Chronicles 24 23 Word analysis

• Rehabiah (רְחַבְיָה - Rechaḇyāh): The name means "Jehovah has enlarged" or "God has widened." Its mention here underscores that even Moses' direct lineage, though not holding the Aaronic priesthood, was remembered, established, and granted a prominent place within the overall Levitical service by God's provision. It signifies God's blessing and increase on this specific branch of Eliezer's family.
• the first (הָרֹאשׁ - ha-rosh): This phrase signifies preeminence within his own lineage. It points to Rehabiah as the primary, senior, or most significant line among Eliezer's descendants at this stage of the organizational structure. It could indicate he was the founder of a distinct sub-clan, given an established priority among his kin.
• Amariah (אֲמַרְיָה - ʾAmaryāh): Meaning "Jehovah has spoken" or "Yah has promised." A name frequently found among various Levitical and priestly families. Its inclusion here simply identifies him as the next in the established order.
• the second (הַשֵּׁנִי - ha-sheni): An ordinal number indicating sequential position. It emphasizes an orderly, hierarchical arrangement within the family.
• Jahaziel (יַחֲזִיאֵל - Yaḥaziʾel): Meaning "God sees" or "Yah sees." Also a known Levitical name (cf. 2 Chr 20:14). His listing further details the specific family lines recorded for service.
• the third (הַשְּׁלִישִׁי - ha-shelishi): Another ordinal number, reinforcing the precise enumeration and organized nature of the listing.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "Rehabiah the first": This establishes the primary head of this specific line descending from Eliezer. It grants a foundational status to Rehabiah, ensuring his lineage's recognition and its place within the broader Levitical census.
• "Amariah the second, Jahaziel the third": This specific structure (name-ordinal) repeated for Amariah and Jahaziel indicates that these were direct and significant sons or immediate family heads succeeding or branched from Rehabiah's primary line, demonstrating a meticulous genealogical record-keeping and an organized system for the administration of temple personnel. It illustrates a detailed hierarchical arrangement necessary for divine service.

1 Chronicles 24 23 Bonus section

The painstaking genealogical lists found in Chronicles, including this verse, served several crucial purposes for the returning exiles and beyond. They were not mere historical curiosities but vital records for establishing legitimate claims to ancestral land, roles, and benefits promised by the Law. For the Levites, specifically, these records ensured that only those with confirmed lineage could perform sacred duties, preserving the sanctity of Temple worship. The Chronicler’s emphasis on these details also reinforces God's sovereignty over history and destiny, demonstrating how specific lineages were divinely preserved for their respective tasks. In a practical sense, such lists were indispensable for effective administration, enabling leaders to assign specific responsibilities, distribute provisions, and maintain spiritual integrity within the community, setting a precedent for organized church structure and accountability across generations.

1 Chronicles 24 23 Commentary

1 Chronicles 24:23 is a profound yet seemingly simple verse that exemplifies God's unwavering commitment to order, precision, and faithfulness in the administration of His household. Beyond merely listing names, it testifies to the importance of divine appointment and the careful preservation of lineage for sacred service. David, inspired by God, left nothing to chance in preparing for the Temple. The inclusion of Moses' descendants, like Rehabiah, Amariah, and Jahaziel, highlights that even outside the Aaronic priesthood, all dedicated Levites had an honorable place and a specific function. This careful census ensured accountability and proper conduct, rejecting human preference or casual arrangement in favor of a divinely ordered structure for worship. It reminds believers that true worship and effective ministry are built upon diligent organization and adherence to God's revealed patterns.